Julius Axelrod was an American biochemist who was one of winners of 1970
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. He won the award for his work on
the release and reuptake of catecholamine neurotransmitters, a class of
chemicals in the brain. He also made notable contributions to the
understanding of the pineal gland. Born in New York City to Jewish
immigrants from Poland, he became interested in science, especially
medicine, at a young age. He received a bachelor's degree in biology
from the College of the City of New York. He wanted to become a doctor
but was rejected by every medical school to which he applied. He began
his career working as a chemist before joining the research division of
Goldwater Memorial Hospital where he worked under the prominent
biochemist Bernard Beryl Brodie who was a major figure in the field of
drug metabolism. Under his mentorship, Axelrod ventured into a career in
research and performed vital studies on analgesic medications.
Eventually he joined the National Institute of Mental Health where he
spent the rest of his career. The key research of his career was
regarding the release, reuptake, and storage of the neurotransmitters
epinephrine and norepinephrine which made him a joint winner of the
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1970 along with Bernard Katz
and Ulf von Euler.
Childhood & Early Life
Julius
Axelrod was born in New York City on May 30,1912.His parents, Molly
and Isadore Axelrod, were Jewish immigrants from Poland. His father was a
basket weaver.
Major Works
Julius
Axelrod was known for his research on Catecholamine metabolism. He also
discovered and characterized the enzyme catechol-O-methyl transferase,
which is involved in the breakdown of catecholamines.
Awards & Achievements
- He was awarded the Gairdner Foundation International Award in 1967.
- Julius Axelrod along with Sir Bernard Katz and Ulf von Euler was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1970 "for their discoveries concerning the humoral transmittors in the nerve terminals and the mechanism for their storage, release and inactivation".
Personal Life & Legacy
- Julius Axelrod married Sally Taub in 1938. They had two children. His wife died in 1992 after 53 years of marriage.
- He injured his left eye when an ammonia bottle in the lab exploded. He wore an eyepatch for the rest of his life.
- He died on December 29, 2004, in Maryland, USA, at the age of 92.
